The state 4-H horse show started Thursday and five Pottawatomie County members are participating during the three-day event.

Sierra Beauford, 18, said this is her seventh year to be competing and she has events all three days. She said English classes are her favorite to compete in and her most competitive events are showing classes. Beauford said she enjoys a lot of things at the shows, but said 4-H in general has made an impact in her life.

“4-H is really good for young kids,” she said. “It’s a community thing.”

Megan Hogan, 19, is in her 10th year of competition. She is competing in barrels, poles and stakes. She said barrels is her biggest competitive competition.

“My favorite thing about competing is getting to meet new people,” she said.

Jace Milburn, 11, is in his third year of competition. He is competing in a variety of events but said his favorite is poles and is also the most competitive event. He said his horse is a champion.

“Meeting new friends and seeing old friends has to be my favorite part,” Milburn said.

Frost Trussell, 10, is in her second year of competition. She said right now her favorite competition is halter because there isn’t a lot of running. Trussell said she had a fall on Monday and her back is sore, but she got back in the saddle to compete during the state show.

“I like shows because I get to spend more time with my horses,” she said.

Trussell said her biggest competitive competitions are halter and speed events.

She said Rene Underwood, Pottawatomie County 4-H Horse Club Leader, is her mentor and like her second mom. The other participates agreed, saying Underwood and Lori Snyder, Pottawatomie County 4-H Horse Club volunteer coach and trainer, helped them all in 4-H.